Dear George, Dear Mary

A Novel of George Washington's First Love

By: Mary Calvi

Narrated by: Marisa Calin, Raphael Corkhill

Length: 11 hrs

Publisher's summary

A novel about heiress Mary Philipse's relationship with George Washington, based on historical accounts, letters, and personal journals by nine-time New York Emmy award-winning journalist Mary Calvi.

“Love is said to be an involuntary passion, and it is, therefore, contended that it cannot be resisted.” (George Washington)

Did unrequited love spark a flame that ignited a cause that became the American Revolution? Never before has this story about George Washington been told. Crafted from hundreds of letters, witness accounts, and journal entries, Dear George, Dear Mary explores George’s relationship with his first love, New York heiress Mary Philipse, the richest belle in Colonial America.

From elegant 18th-century society to bloody battlefields, the novel creates breathtaking scenes and riveting characters. Dramatic portraits of the two main characters unveil a Washington on the precipice of greatness, using the very words he spoke and wrote, and his ravishing love, whose outward beauty and refinement disguise a complex inner struggle.

Dear George, Dear Mary reveals why George Washington had such bitter resentment toward the Brits, established nearly two decades before the American Revolution, and it unveils details of a deception long hidden from the world that led Mary Philipse to be named a traitor, condemned to death, and left with nothing. While that may sound like the end, ultimately, both Mary and George achieve what they always wanted.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Mary Calvi (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Interesting read

I enjoyed the history of the story but the interaction between Mary and George was too gushy and drawn out at times. I felt it was written but a giggly teenager.

Expectations fulfill and more

I was so taken by this book I purchased a copy of the book for myself, as well as gifting the book to 3 other avid readers. Being curious of the audiobook, I purchased the audio version of the book after I read the actual book. I was quite eager to listen to the audiobook; I began by listening. I discovered the narrator that chosen for the audio version of this book was superb. The narrator had a soft classical voice with a proper English accent. This was poignant because Mary Eliza Phillipes was born in the U.S., but at the time of the events of this book, people still had an English accent.
As I read the book, it became obvious of all the research necessary to write this book. The efforts put into this book is so appreciative. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Much of the information is based on historical data, but the efforts Ms. Calvi had to intertwined the factors into a luscious story. This well written book was enthralling, I did not want it to end. Her technique of bringing the story alive was inventive while trying to remain true to what facts she had discovered in her research.
Ms. Calvi was imaginative to paint evocative images that allowed images to become alive in my mind’s eye as read on. She left no stone unturned when conveying details of the traditions, dress, food, and décor pertaining to the time period and the historical accounting. This allowed Ms.Calvi’s book to flourish against the timeline contained in the book.
One reviewer compared this to a Harlequin romance. I take exception to this. It was far from anything compared to that. If I could make one change to the book, I would not have had the first half the book take so long to get to the meeting of George Washington and Mary Phillipse. Once the meeting occurred it was like love at first sight George Washington and Mary Phillipse. I understand the need for groundwork the novel, but there should have been a way to get to their actual meeting sooner.
I would recommend this book, but I am also in a unique position to also recommend the audiobook.

Dear George, Dear Mary

I really enjoyed listening to this book. I recommend this book. I’m happy the Liabrary’s keep information so we could know some of the history.

Beautiful story all through!

This was a beautiful romantic tale during a time off great change in a people and society. Mary Calvi's research takes you to a time that can be felt with clarity and beautifully portrays her characters with abundant Life. I enjoyed every bit of this book and although knowing the actual outcome, it did not diminish the story telling. Calvi's writing is simply beautiful. I think she showed us the best parts of this story.

Beautiful but tragic love story

Learning that the author, Mary Calvi, did extensive research on George and Mary but deciding to write it in a historical novel was brilliant. Any lover of American history will love this book to fill in history that was not written before.

This made my heart flutter....

I have found two new soul sisters who share my love, interest and intrigue in George Washington... Mary Calvi and Mary Eliza Philipse.

Mary Calvi’s research is both extensive and impressive to capture those times in the mid to late 1700’s. This story made my heart flutter and I even wished for an outcome that I knew wasn’t possible.

I love this book Mary Calvi. No doubt we share a mutual infatuation with G.W.!

No stars awarded!!

Read like a “dime store romance novel”. So disappointing! George and Mary’s relationship was portrayed as of panting teenagers.struggling with their hormones! Couldn’t finish this novel.